Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli made an unexpected return to former club Inter, and gate-crashed a press conference where Andrea Stramaccioni was revealed as the new head coach.
The San Siro outfit sacked Claudio Ranieri over the weekend after a 2-0 defeat to Juventus, and have promoted the former youth team mentor to the senior side.
Balotelli meanwhile has been given a couple of days leave by Roberto Mancini, and caused a stir by surprising attendees and shaking the new trainer’s hand.
The controversial hitman left the Serie A club in August 2010, and admitted it was good to see his former coach and team-mates.
“I was pleased to see my old team-mates again,” he told the Inter Channel, translated to English by Sky Sports.
“I saw almost everyone, it was a great feeling. I wish Stramaccioni and the team all the best.”
When quizzed on the Premier League title race Balotelli remained confident that his team can lift the crown, despite currently being three points behind cross-town rivals and current holders Manchester United.
“I hope to win it. We are very strong. We have taken a small step back, but we can make the grade,” he concluded.
By Gareth McKnight
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